Feta Marinated Niçoise Olives With Grilled Pitas Recipes

Steps:

• For each of the above combinations, place all ingredients except for the feta in a small saucepan and gently heat over medium low just until tiny bubbles begin to form, 4 to 6 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow to cool completely, about 1 hour.
• Once the infused olive oil is cool, transfer half of the aromatics from the saucepan to a 16-ounce Mason jar followed by half of the feta. Repeat layering and then carefully pour the infused olive oil into the jar. Gently press the feta down if needed to ensure it is fully submerged and seal the jar with its lid (see Cook's Note). Place the jar in the refrigerator and allow the feta to marinate for at least 12 hours and up to 5 days.
• Remove the jar from refrigerator at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the solidified olive oil to liquify.

Steps:

• Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat). Stir tomatoes, olives, onion, 2 tablespoons oil, and mint in small bowl to blend.
• Brush 1 side of each pita with remaining 2 tablespoons oil; place pitas, oiled side down, on grill. Cook until lightly charred, about 2 minutes. Turn pitas over; top with tomato mixture, spreading almost to edges. Sprinkle with cheese.
• Cover barbecue and grill pitas until topping is warm, about 2 minutes. Transfer pitas to plates and serve.

Steps:

• Drizzle feta with olive oil and lemon juice. Sprinkle with oregano and pepper. Cover with plastic wrap and allow to stand at room temperature for 30 minutes, or marinate in the refrigerator overnight. Serve at room temperature.;
• Combine all ingredients in a heavy duty resealable bag (preferably freezer bag). Remove all air from bag prior to sealing. Refrigerate and let olives marinate overnight, turning once. Remove contents of bag to serving bowl.;

Steps:

• Make marinated olives: With a vegetable peeler remove 4 wide strips zest from lemon. Thinly slice garlic. Break rosemary and thyme into 1-inch pieces and halve bay leaves. In a small airtight container stir together all marinated-olive ingredients. Marinate olives, covered and chilled, at least 2 hours and up to 1 month.
• Prepare grill.
• Put feta on a platter and pour olives and marinade over it. Lightly brush pitas with oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill pitas on a rack set 5 to 6 inches over glowing coals about 1 minute on each side. (Alternatively, grill pitas in a hot well-seasoned ridged grill pan over moderately high heat.)
• Serve pitas warm with feta and olives. Serve cucumber spears on the side, if desired.